Madring, the brand-new 5.4-kilometre circuit in Madrid, has just passed its first test with flying colours. Over two days, Monday and Tuesday, the track surrounding the IFEMA exhibition complex became the arena for 30 F3 drivers from 10 teams to experience its asphalt for the first time under competitive conditions. This test was a crucial step before the circuit officially hosts the Spanish Grand Prix on September 11-13.
Among the drivers trying the track, Ugo Ugochukwu from Campos Racing emerged as the fastest. He set a 1:49.034s lap in Tuesday morning's session, 0.193s clear of Hiyu Yamakoshi. Meanwhile, championship leader Freddie Slater, who had led the opening day for Trident, again showed his pace by topping Tuesday afternoon's session with a 1:49.685s as teams shifted to longer race runs.
However, the test was not only important for the drivers. For Madring, it was a real examination of their operational systems. Madrid Circuit used the opportunity to test race control, communications, marshal operations, medical services, and recovery procedures. Several stoppages on the final day gave officials a golden chance to practice all these systems, ensuring everything is ready when F1 arrives.
From a driving sensation perspective, the drivers' responses were highly positive. Slater, one of the brightest young talents, expressed his admiration for the circuit's character, which combines street sections, fast corners, and significant elevation changes. "I think it was a really positive day. I think this track is incredible to drive, it's a bit old-school, got some interesting corners and it's got a lot of character to it," he said enthusiastically. "It's probably one of the most enjoyable on a push lap on the calendar. I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun."
Similar praise came from local driver Bruno del Pino, who described Madring as "the most adrenaline-fuelled circuit of the entire season." Theophile Nael from Van Amersfoort Racing even compared it to legendary street circuits like Macau and Monaco. "When you are flat out, you can feel the G-forces. Inside the car, it is incredible," Nael said.
The test also marked a significant moment for Alex Powell, who was recently announced as Louis Sharp's replacement at Prema for the final two rounds of the F3 season. Powell ended Tuesday morning in 22nd place with a 1:50.669s, only 0.032s behind his Australian teammate James Wharton, who finished 21st. Meanwhile, Sharp and Prema agreed to end the New Zealander's campaign early so he could focus on securing his plans for 2027.
Madring features 22 corners, with the heavily banked La Monumental as its most iconic section. The circuit will host the Spanish Grand Prix for 10 years, returning Formula 1 to Madrid for the first time since Jarama hosted a world championship race in 1981. After this successful test, F3 will return to Madring for its season finale alongside F1, after first travelling to Monza for the penultimate round on September 4-6.
Baca Juga
FIA mengecam pelecehan terhadap steward setelah penalti Colapinto di GP Belanda. Sponsor Colapinto ikut menyerang, memicu ancaman daring dan respons tegas FIA.
Mercedes mengonfirmasi penalti mesin untuk Kimi Antonelli di GP Italia. Pemimpin klasemen F1 itu akan start dari belakang di Monza, balapan kandangnya, demi optimasi musim.
Liam Lawson merasa lebih nyaman dengan RB22 saat GP Belanda dibanding periode 2025 bersama Red Bull. Ia menjelaskan perbedaan teknis dan adaptasi cepat di Zandvoort.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!